Help! It's The Wrath Of The Undead Hand!

Is it Halloween already?

I haven't read Mortal Kiss - with the exception of a couple of chapters - so I can't tell if the store accurately depicts the feel and general atmosphere of the story. The Mortal Kiss garments seemed very classy but also a bit futuristic, whereas the homonymous interior reeks of 80s horror movie cheesiness. I would consider purchasing a few items for a Halloween-themed room if it weren't for the prices. I mean, come on. I can find better for less in Fallen Angel, and if I desperately wanted to spend a shitload of Stardollars on furniture, it would be Evening Falls.

Mortal Kiss 2 turns out to be a big, fat disappointment.

Let's have a toast for the douchebags, let's have a toast for the assholes...

Usually you don't see much depth in Stardoll users. Why should you? It's a fashion site that promotes conventional beauty, wealth and the general lack of imperfections or a personality. It is rare to come across an enticing project that isn't based upon such shallowness.

A few days ago, I read a heartbreaking post on MDM, written by Aislin Victory, about her cousin Emily, a girl who committed suicide as a result of relentless bullying. I am truly disgusted that just because one doesn't like someone's appearance, they feel the urge to taunt them to the point they want to hurt themselves.

Bullying isn't that uncommon an occurrence on Stardoll. About a week ago, Austin (alexapie200) was tormented on his own guestbook by fellow Stardoll users because of a photoshopped picture of himself sporting... lipstick and blush. (More on the story, here.) The comments were nasty and, unfortunately, many people called out on the victim of this situation for not blocking his bullies. As if this horrendous act rightfully enraged them and it is only common sense why they had to keep throwing tirades at him. As if it's his fault that some people have nothing better to do with their lives. Frankly, I don't care if this person is a famewhore. Hell, I don't care if he's called you "fat", or a "bitch"; stooping to such a low level just to publicly humiliate a child is exasperating.

Bullying is neither acceptable nor will impress anyone, and, fortunately, there are some people who have realized it. Aislin, for example, decided to launch 'Beauty Week', in order to "remind everyone how beautiful they really are". She even took to the popular blog to reach out to talented Star Designers to help her create T-shirts in her cousin's memory.

She's not alone, though. On the same blog, mere hours ago, I read an interesting post by Dei (To_Royal), who led me to The Stardoll Peace Project, created by audreyxbeth. No, this isn't a flower children gathering. It's more of a "star vehicle" for talented Stardoll users who wish to have their projects showcased in a more accessible platform. As the name indicates, bullying is not tolerated and no form of discrimination is acceptable. (I wonder if Reece will finally find a place where he is wanted.)

Hopefully, more people will follow suit; projects such as those mentioned above are to be applauded by the Stardoll community.

Come on then; applaud!

Oops, They Did It Again!

To be completely honest, I've been waiting for this moment for a long time.

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In the heat of the MSW competition, it looks like some may have gone a little overboard with the broadcasting system. We already knew that there are plenty of users in possession of a great amount of Stardollars, who abuse it, but, apparently, now with the month-long Covergirl competition MSW things are ten times worse.

I am on the fence about this. On the one hand, no broadcasts means no more desperate cries for votes - for now.  Plus, this will most likely mean that less than fortunate members, Stardollars-wise, will have equal chances at being noticed. On the other hand, this means that people will see this a chance to fill as many guestbooks as possible with relentless pleas, troll posts and, in general, unwanted bullshit And, of course, rare-lurkers collectors will miss out on a lot of great bargains.

All I can think right now is how grateful I am that this contest is only virtual. Imagine if Stardoll was, say, a big, international high school filled with rabid teenagers who aim to win the big prize; I know this possibility is dreadful.

The only reason why I would participate in such a travesty - I completely disagree with the concept that beauty and, in general, such shallow characteristics should be considered virtues - would be the 1000 Stardollars. Frankly, that's about it. I couldn't care less about fame, especially on a website. Even in my real life, I try to simply blend into the background. (Note, simply blend into the background, not change my views on certain matters just to feel part of a group.) Of course, fame seems to be the primary motive for most people, as usually MSW contenders spend hundreds of dollars in order to look appealing enough to deserve the prize - pathetic, in my opinion. 1000 Stardollars would roughly cover their expenses. So, what could it be that they desire so much? Perhaps a few friends? Doubt it. Probably, just to feel popular, envied, even desirable, in order to make up for the inadequacy of their own social life.

The question is, why does everybody else have to listen to your virtual moan about how a silly competition is your biggest dream and my bitterness is not letting you turn it into reality?

Sorry this ended up being another seemingly endless rant, but I was feeling inspired.

PS. The new Blogger is busting my balls right now.

UPDATE: Aaaand... the broadcasts have returned.

Less Is More & More Causes Cultural Shock

I decided I'm no longer using my stupid banner. It's pointless and you probably already know who I am.

op·u·lence [op-yuh-luhns]

noun

1.

wealth, riches, or affluence.

2.

abundance, as of resources or goods; plenty.

3.

the state of being opulent.

It seems that Stardoll has taken this term too literally, because their latest Starplaza decor store practically reeks of wealth and excess. So much so, that it ends up looking tacky and over the top.

Sure enough, there are some beautifully designed and tasteful (i.e. the Mini Marble Statue) items, but, primarily, Opulence is a big, fat mess. Which is very disappointing, of course, especially after the simple-yet-great additions to the Minimalism store.

I'm not going to lie, minimalism usually seems to me like a rather impersonal movement, seeing as it's more based on simplicity, symmetry and the trio of white, black and grey, and less on personal taste. However, the fact that something is colorful and all-over-the-place-looking, doesn't necessarily render it tasteful.

All in all, Opulence is characterized by mediocrity: the graphics are, for the most part, nearly flawless, but the designs are usually tacky. It's just a classier version of Kitsch, in my opinion.


Whatever you do, don't put more than one items from the Opulence store in the same room. Usually, less is more. 

Eyes On The Prize

For some reason, I feel like shouting "Eternal glory!", Dumbledore-style.

Obviously, that's not of the prizes for Stardoll's biggest competition of the year. But, I am certain that 1000 Stardollars, 2000 Starcoins, instant Royalty status and a bunch of other stuff I can't recall right now will suffice.

When I gave up on Stardoll in late 2009, Miss Stardoll World wasn't "established" yet. Even when I made my virtual "comeback", I had no idea whatsoever what that competition was. I read a post about the 2010 winner on PSG about how she was an insufferable bitch (basically) and that was it. In fact, I thought it was a one time thing. Of course, Stardoll wouldn't miss the chance to cash up on the thousands, if not millions, of hopefuls who will spend - or have spent - their precious moolah in order to kid themselves that they stand a chance.

Yesterday, I got a message from a fellow Greek, who stated that MSW was her biggest dream. She also mentioned, poor grammar and spelling and all, that she had spent a large amount of real money to decorate her suite and style her Medoll.

I admire determination. I really do. But, frankly, I don't go voting people that don't deserve it, just because it's their "biggest dream". Because, really, if I were to vote someone for a virtual competition, it would be a talented girl or boy, with a beautifully decorated suite and a lovely Medoll. Someone like Zenonas (-LimitedEdition), for example. Not someone who suddenly decides they want to be internet celebrities.

But, as I said, I'm not planning on voting anyone. Not because I find the "institution" ridiculous, but because of the fib and corruption that dominates it. I am pretty sure that there are plenty of desperate Stardoll users that have created dozens, perhaps hundreds of accounts just to vote themselves. It's not a new thing. We know many have done it to win Covergirl, a much less coveted spot compared to MSW. And, frankly, why the hell not? It's free, harmless and you don't risk becoming a virtual beggar and, thus, pissing people off.

Stardoll does nothing about it. As they do nothing about those sly brats that think that by giving a fancy prize to a lucky voter, they will emerge victorious.

Of course, the result of this viral contest will be thousands of miserable young girls and boys that bestowed their hopes upon grandiose expectations and will end up wondering why that wasn't enough.

Needless to say, I don't intend to be a part of this.

Mortal Kiss 2 (& Me Hyperventilating)

First, I am totally hyperventilating right now. Not because of Mortal Kiss 2. I just found out that my girl, Lady GaGa, won two VMAs and the Hunger Games teaser was revealed and I am shaking right now.

Anyway.

The skirt. I love it. Personally, I don't find it as great as the previous collection, but it's pretty solid. I am a bit disappointed, though, mainly because of the prices. Oh, well.

Really, there is nothing more to say about it. It's silver. It's shiny. It's cute and futuristic. Nothing really, truly great, but it doesn't suck.

I do find the original Mortal Kiss far more superior, though. I admit that purple seems a bit too emo-ish to me, but mixed with light violet, white and even pink it actually isn't half bad.

Okay. I feel like I have been posting way too much about Starplaza crap, so imma peace out and continue hyperventilating.

PS. Beyonce is pregnant. What a nice, original publicity stunt Queen B.

Another Month Of Fug, Brought To You By...

Take a wild guess.

What's with the dog? Please, please tell me it isn't a Hotbuy. (Actually, I just checked and it is.)

Frankly, these alleged Hotbuys are horrible.

 

Okay, perhaps with the exception of the "Roar Tee" and the emerald skirt. And that big, green, fierce bag. I suppose the are bolder than previous Hotbuys, but I am seriously underwhelmed, especially considering the shitload of moolah we will be expected to pay for them. Assuming we actually do purchase them.

In other odd but irrelevant news:

Wow. Someone is getting creative. Careful, Stardoll. You might choke on your own creativity.

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Oh, Stardoll! Now I am so tempted to spend 500 Stardollars. I mean, this is a shitty - but free - outfit we're talking about. Like, bingo! Plus, who doesn't just love zombies? Right, Stardoll?

Seriously, just bring Mortal Kiss 2 (and I mean the clothes, not Twilight's shitty spawn) and get it over with.

Imma peace out now.